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Telehealth utilization has increased nationally, with notable exceptions, such as the Midwest. This report highlights which specialties and age demographics are contributing most to the rise.
Most U.S. regions are seeing increased telehealth utilization, indicating a broader acceptance of digital health services.
Telehealth usage has risen nationally, based on a recent monthly report from FAIR Health. The data highlights that, from September to October 2024, telehealth claim lines grew from 4.80% to 4.89%, illustrating a 2% increase.
This upward trend, however, was not uniform across all U.S. regions. The West experienced the highest increase in telehealth usage, with a 2.8% rise in claim lines. In contrast, the Midwest saw a decline of 3.7%, bucking the national trend. These shifts illustrate regional differences in telehealth adoption.
According to FAIR Health, "telehealth utilization increased nationally, with every region except the Midwest showing gains."
Psychiatric services and younger demographics are major drivers of the telehealth trend.
The report reveals that psychiatric nursing has become the second most common specialty for telehealth visitation, overtaking family practice, now in fourth place. This change underscores a growing reliance on telehealth for mental health services, which remain the leading category for telehealth diagnoses.
Demographically, telehealth usage is predominantly higher among patients aged 31-40, followed by those aged 19-30. Such patterns suggest that younger adults are more inclined to engage with telehealth services, likely due to their familiarity with digital technologies.
Telehealth can offer cost savings, although regional variations exist.
One of the cost benefits highlighted in the report is the modest saving associated with telehealth compared to in-person visits. For instance, nutritional therapy through telehealth typically costs $1 to $2 less than an office visit, except in the Western U.S., where costs diverge.
Such variations reflect a complex landscape where the economic benefits of telehealth can vary significantly. This complexity needs to be navigated by healthcare providers who aim to maximize cost-effectiveness while meeting patient needs.
Diaz, N. (2025). Telehealth use rises nationally: Report. Becker's Hospital Review. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/telehealth/telehealth-use-rises-nationally-report.html
FAIR Health. (2024). In October, telehealth utilization increased nationally and in every region but the Midwest, where it decreased. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-october-telehealth-utilization-increased-nationally-and-in-every-region-but-the-midwest-where-it-decreased-302346890.html